Frame member

ABSTRACT

A deflectable display frame beam ( 1, 100 ) and associated engaging member ( 107 ) for mounting a display panel to the frame ( 8 ). The beam ( 1, 100 ) includes segments ( 130 ) interconnected by a continuous strip ( 4 ) and a pair of opposed lips ( 20   a,    20   b ) extending inwardly and along the length of the beam ( 1, 100 ) for removably engaging the engaging member ( 107 ). The engaging member ( 107 ) includes a continuous strip ( 170 ) with a pair of diverging flanges ( 171 ) along its length and on one of its sides for cooperating with the lips ( 20   a,    20   b ) of the beam ( 1, 100 ). The engaging member ( 107 ) also includes a series of segmented walls ( 172   a,    172   b,    172   c,    173   a,    173   b ) on the other of its sides that define slots for engaging a display panel. The engaging member ( 107 ) and the beam ( 1, 100 ) can both be curved by deflecting or flexing the continuous strips ( 4, 170 ) to vary the separation between adjacent segments ( 130, 172   a,    172   b,    172   c,    173   a,    173   b ).

This invention relates generally to frame members, particularly frame members or beams for displays. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to frame members or beams for use in display stands that include multiple frame members or beams, e.g. that are used at exhibition or for displaying products in shops.

Display frame technology has developed in recent years in an effort to reduce the time and resource for constructing and dismantling temporary displays while providing more impressive and intricate structures. This has resulted in a need to provide display frame assemblies with greater versatility and reliability.

Known display frames of this type normally include a number of rigid beams and connectors to produce a 3-dimensional modular display. Additional beams are often available for purchase in a variety of shapes and configurations in order to allow a more bespoke exhibition stand to be constructed. Such shapes include curved sections in a range of curve radii and/or lengths, or custom manufactured sections.

Prefabricated curved sections are less adaptable, and as such, purchased in lower numbers that the straight components that form the majority of the display stand. This results in higher costs for the customers due to lower production volume. The limited demand also creates a problem for manufacturers and suppliers who may prefer to have a more limited range and less money invested in niche stock.

Corporate and exhibition display stands may change their aesthetic components regularly, but may not wish to replace the entire structure due to the costs. It is desirable to have a display system that is adaptable to a wide range of different requirements.

It is therefore a non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a frame member or beam for a display frame that overcomes, or at least mitigates, some or all of the above disadvantages. It is a more specific non-exclusive object of the invention to provide an adaptable frame member or beam for a display frame that is useful in a wide range of situations.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a frame member or beam for a display frame, the frame member or beam comprising a longitudinal engaging feature for removably engaging a co-operating member, and a segmented portion interconnected by connecting portions, which may be provided by a continuous portion, wherein at least a portion of the frame member or beam may be curved, in use, by deflecting or bending or flexing the connecting portions or the continuous portion, thereby varying the separation between at least two adjacent segments of the segmented portion.

Thus, the invention provides an adjustable and/or adaptable frame member or beam that is able to deflect or flex to form a curve, thereby to provide a structure incorporating a curved portion on a wall. The longitudinal engaging feature facilitates the attachment of structural or display material along the frame member or beam, no matter what the desired configuration. An additional advantage is that the frame member or beam may be configured to allow the connecting portions or the continuous portion to be severed between each pair of segments of the segmented portion, which would permit its length be adjusted to suit any desired configuration.

Preferably, the engaging feature is configured for slideably engaging a co-operating member, which co-operating member may be flexible. Thus, when the frame member or beam is curved the co-operating member can be slid therealong.

The frame member or beam may comprise or be provided with a co-operating member. In some embodiments, the co-operating member is shorter than the frame member or beam or engaging feature, for example when the connecting portions or continuous portion, e.g. an outer or exposed surface of the continuous portion, is formed into a concave curve. In other embodiments, the co-operating member may be longer than the frame member or beam or engaging feature, for example when the connecting portions or continuous portion, e.g. an outer or exposed surface of the continuous portion, is formed into a convex curve.

The co-operating member may comprise a fascia component, which may comprise a decorative layer and/or an embedded insert, which may be magnetic. Additionally or alternatively, the co-operating member may comprise an engaging member or strip, e.g. for mounting a display panel to the frame member or beam of a display frame. The engaging member or strip may comprise one or a first longitudinal engaging feature for releasably engaging a frame member and/or another or a second longitudinal engaging feature for releasably engaging a display panel. The engaging member may also include a segmented portion, which may be interconnected by connecting portions, which may be provided by a continuous portion. At least a portion of the engaging member or strip may be curved, in use, for example by deflecting or bending or flexing the continuous portion, e.g. thereby varying the separation between at least two adjacent segments of the segmented portion.

A second aspect of the invention provides an engaging member or strip for mounting a display panel to the frame member or beam of a display frame, the engaging member or strip comprising a first longitudinal engaging feature for releasably engaging a frame member, a second longitudinal engaging feature for releasably engaging a display panel and a segmented portion interconnected by connecting portions, which may be provided by a continuous portion, wherein at least a portion of the engaging member or strip may be curved, in use, by deflecting or bending or flexing the connecting portions or the continuous portion, thereby varying the separation between at least two adjacent segments of the segmented portion.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

The connecting portions or the continuous portion of the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip may comprise the longitudinal engaging feature or one of the longitudinal engaging features. Alternatively, the segmented portion may comprise the, or a further, longitudinal engaging feature or one of the longitudinal engaging features. The or at least one longitudinal engaging feature may comprise a single element or feature or component, or it may comprise a plurality of elements or features or components that may together provide or comprise the or at least one longitudinal engaging feature, for example by working co-operatively.

The or at least one longitudinal engaging feature may comprise a slot or groove. The engagement may be by interference fit, snap fitment, or any other suitable form of connection, but is preferably by sliding engagement. The or at least one longitudinal engaging feature may extend longitudinally of or along the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, either along the full length, or partial length thereof. The longitudinal engaging feature may be continuous or it may be segmented along its length.

Additionally or alternatively, the or at least one longitudinal engaging feature may comprise one or more projections or flanges or lips. The projections or flanges or lips may comprise a pair of lips that may be opposed and/or extend inwardly or toward each other and/or define a slot or groove. Alternatively, the projections or flange or lips may comprise a pair of lips that extend outwardly or away from one another. The lip or lips may extend continuously along the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, or they may comprise discrete segments. The lip or lips may be formed by a protrusion or projection or stem that may extend from the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip e.g. an edge thereof, and/or may include a flange on one or both of its sides.

In some embodiments, the or at least one longitudinal engaging feature may comprise a projection, e.g. for engaging a corresponding slot or groove on a co-operating member or on a frame member or beam. Such a projection may comprise a protrusion or projection or stem e.g. with a head of greater width for example to allow the head to co-operate with an associated slot or groove or clip in a co-operating member or in a frame member or beam.

The frame member or beam may comprise a single longitudinal engaging feature, or two or more, e.g. a plurality, of longitudinal engaging features. The longitudinal engaging feature or features may be disposed on a face or faces of the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip or on an edge or edges of thereof or on both, or on any combination thereof. A further face or edge of the frame member or beam may comprise a further longitudinal engaging feature or all external faces or edges thereof may comprise one or more longitudinal engaging features.

The first longitudinal engaging feature preferably comprises a pair of lips that extend outwardly or away from one another, which may be configured to engage the longitudinal engaging feature of the or a frame member or beam. The second longitudinal engaging feature preferably comprises one or more slots or grooves, which may be provided by one or more projections or flanges or lips.

The frame member or beam may have a plurality of longitudinal engaging features to engage a plurality of co-operating members. This may be so the frame member or beam can engage a single co-operating member at any orientation, or it may co-operate with the plurality of members simultaneously. A subsequent co-operating member may engage in a second parallel plane or it may be perpendicular or at any other angle to the first.

The connecting portions or the continuous portion preferably extends along at least part, more preferably the entire, frame member or beam or engaging member or strip and/or may comprise a strip. The strip may be rectangular, rounded or any other suitable shape. The segmented portion may comprise two or more, e.g. a plurality of, segments attached to and/or extending from at least one side or two or both sides of the continuous portion.

The connecting portions or the continuous portion may form a side or face, e.g. a longitudinal side or face of the frame member or beam, or a partial face of the frame member or beam. The connecting portions or the continuous portion may be incorporated into, onto or within the segmented portion, or it may be attached either permanently or removably to the segmented portion on an internal or external portion or side or face.

Additionally or alternatively, the connecting portions or the continuous portion may comprise a core interconnecting the segmented portion internally and/or may be planar, tubular or solid, and/or may have a circular, triangular, or orthogonal cross-section or any other suitable cross-sectional shape.

The segmented portion may comprise two or more segments preferably with at least one segment at each of the terminal ends of the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, and/or any number of segments spaced along the length thereof. The segments may be spaced apart by any separation, either regular or irregular. The separation may be constant along the entire length of the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, or the separation may differ. The separation may change gradually or definitely in order to allow variation in the deflection or flexing properties of the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip. Such an arrangement may be desirable where, for example, pre-determined, complex and/or variable shapes or curves or curve radii are desired or required.

The segments may all be identical or they may differ. The terminal end segments may differ from one or more internal segments, or they may be identical. The segments may all comprise a connection means or be suitable for connecting to a connection means so that the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip can be adapted or cut to any length. The segments may be identical so that the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip can be cut to shorten it to fit a particular size without affecting its use. Thus, a single frame member or beam or engaging member or strip is able to be used or cut to size to fit all lengths or sizes required by a customer. The frame member or beam or engaging member or strip may be sold in differing lengths or it may be left for the customer to modify the beam as per their needs.

The frame member or beam may comprise one or more connectors for connecting it to or within a display frame, exhibition stand or for any other use. The connectors may be positioned at one or more terminal ends, or they may be positioned at any position along the length of the frame member or beam, or any combination of connectors thereof. The connectors may comprise any suitable connection means to a frame, for example, screws, bolts, clamps, clips, interference fitments or any other suitable connection means. Suitable connection designs are disclosed in W02008062161 and W02012035339, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The frame member or beam or engaging member or strip may be constructed of a plastics material, such as plastic, rubber, polymer, resin or any other suitable material. Alternatively, frame member or beam or engaging member or strip could be made of any other natural, artificial or composite material, such as wood, metal or any other suitable material. The material may be deflectable flexible, elastic, semi-rigid, or any other suitable curvable or bendable material. Alternatively, the beam may comprise any combination of materials thereof in order to produce a suitable beam.

The frame member or beam or engaging member or strip may comprise an extrusion, e.g. a partially segmented extrusion, which may include a substantially constant and/or continuous cross section. The frame member or beam may comprise a hole, e.g. a fixing hole, that may be configured or suitable for receiving a fastener and/or the or an end connector.

Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, for example the connecting portions or the continuous portion, may be flexible and/or deformable plastically, e.g. such that the connecting portions or the continuous portion remains curved when it is deflected or bent or flexed. Alternatively, at least a portion of the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, for example the connecting portions or the continuous portion, may be resiliently flexible and/or deformable, e.g. such that the connecting portions or the continuous portion reverts back to its original or straight shape after being deflected or bent or flexed, for example in the absence of a deflecting or bending or flexing force or a retaining force.

A third aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a display frame, the kit comprising one or more frame members or beams, e.g. as described above, and/or one or more connectors, e.g. as described above, and/or one or more frame members or beams that are continuous and/or rigid, e.g. without a segmented portion. Further features or elements or components may also be included in the kit as would be appreciated by the skilled person.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of assembling a display frame incorporating the frame member or beam as described above. The method may comprise any step that the skilled person would consider relevant and/or advantageous.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of making a frame member or beam or engaging member or strip as described above. The method may comprise providing or making a continuous or semi continuous frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, e.g. by extrusion and/or at least partially segmenting, for example by cutting, the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, e.g. from one side thereof, for example such that the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip comprises a segmented portion interconnected by connecting portions, which may be provided by a continuous portion.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may comprise the step of curving, in use, for example by deflecting or bending or flexing, the connecting portions or continuous or semi-continuous portion of the frame member or beam or engaging member or strip, e.g. thereby varying the separation between at least two adjacent segments of the segmented portion.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may also comprise the step of engaging a cooperating or engaging member with an engaging feature, for example a longitudinal engaging feature, of the frame member or beam, which may be done before or after the step of curving the frame member or beam.

The step of engaging the co-operating or engaging member with the frame member or beam may be by slideable engagement. Where the frame member or beam is curved with the co-operating or engaging member engaged therewith, the co-operating or engaging member may slide therealong to compensate for variation in length of the longitudinal engaging feature or connecting portions or continuous or semi-continuous portion.

The step of curving the connecting portions or continuous or semi-continuous portion of the frame member or beam may comprise forming the connecting portions or the continuous portion, e.g. an outer or exposed surface of the connecting portions or the continuous portion, into a concave curve, for example wherein the co-operating member or engaging member slides along the frame member or beam or engaging feature and/or is shorter than the frame member.

Alternatively, the step of curving the connecting portions or continuous or semi-continuous portion of the frame member or beam may comprise forming the connecting portions or the continuous portion, e.g. an outer or exposed surface of the connecting portions or the continuous portion, into a convex curve, for example wherein the co-operating member or engaging member slides along the frame member or beam or engaging feature and/or is longer than the frame member.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beam according to a first embodiment of the invention showing a single pair of longitudinal engaging features with a fascia strip partially received therein;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective front and rear views respectively of the beam of FIG. 1 in a curved conformation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a beam according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5 is a perspective view of a co-operating member for use with the beam of FIG. 1 or the beam of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the co-operating member of FIG. 5 attached to a beam according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a display frame comprising four of the beams shown in FIG. 4 that illustrates one curved configuration; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of three further embodiments of co-operating members.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a beam 1 for a display frame, the beam 1 comprising a longitudinal engaging feature 2 for removably engaging a co-operating member 7, and a segmented portion 3 interconnected by a continuous portion 4. The longitudinal engaging feature 2 is a slot, in this embodiment, that is defined by a pair of co-operating lips 20 a and 20 b. The segmented portion 3 comprises a plurality of identical segments 30, which are separated by slits 31. The continuous portion 4 is a strip in this embodiment, which forms one face of the beam 1 and one face of each of the segments 30.

The beam 3 is a partially segmented extrusion in this embodiment, which includes a segmented internal web 6, which includes a central tube 60 held in position by two arms 61, 62 which connect the central tube 60 to each segment 30. In use, the central tube 60 can be used for fastening the beam 1 to a further beam 1 or to a connector, for example by a friction or interference fit, or by a mechanical fastener such as a screw or bolt being fastened into or through the central tube 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the beam 1 is shown in a curved state, which was done by deflecting or flexing the continuous portion 4, thereby reducing the separation 31 between adjacent segments 30 such that their free ends abut each other. FIG. 2 illustrates the substantially smooth curve that is formed along the continuous face 4 of the beam 1, wherein the lips 20 a, 20 b provide a slot 2 with a corresponding, relatively gradual curve.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a beam 100 for a display stand according to a second embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the beam 1 according to the first embodiment, wherein like references depict like features and will not be described further. In the beam 100 according to this embodiment, all sides of the beam segments 130 include a longitudinal engaging feature 102 provided by a pair of opposed lips 120. The lips 120 are provided by a projection 121 with a stem and a head substantially in the shape of an arrow and extending from each corner of the beam 100. The stem is angled diagonally away from the corner edge of the beam 100, and the head is formed of a pair of flanges 120 so that one flange 120 is parallel to a first face of the beam 100, and a second flange 120 is parallel to a second face of the beam 100. Thus in use, a co-operating member (not shown) may co-operate with any of the longitudinal engaging features 102 by slotting within the cavity formed by a flange on one pair of lips 120 and a second flange on a second pair of lips 120. It will be appreciated that when the beam 100 is curved, straight co-operating members (not shown) may only be received within the continuous longitudinal engaging feature 2 or the engaging feature 102 opposite the continuous portion.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an engaging or co-operating member 107 that includes a strip 170 with a pair of diverging flanges 171 on one side and along its length and five segmented walls 172 a, 172 b, 172 c, 173 a, 173 b on the other side and along its length. The flanges 171 are L-shaped with the free limb extending away from one another. The outer and central segmented walls 172 a, 172 b, 172 c are rectangular in cross-section and the remaining two segmented walls 173 a, 173 b have a cross-section with a base that is rectangular and two diverging limbs. Thus, the segmented walls 172 a, 172 b, 172 c, 173 a, 173 b provide slots within which portions of a display panel (not shown) can be received. Thus, the engaging member 107 may be curved by deflecting or bending the strip 170, thereby varying the separation between adjacent segments of the walls 172 a, 172 b, 172 c, 173 a, 173 b.

FIG. 6 shows the engaging member 107 engaged with the beam 100 of FIG. 4, wherein the flanges 171 engage with the slot 2 and are received between the opposed lips 20 a, 20 b with the slots of the engaging member 107 ready to receive a panel.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an exemplary display frame 8 that includes three vertical, solid beams 80 with connectors 81 at each of their ends and four beams 100 according to the second embodiment each connected between a respective pair of the connectors 81 in a horizontal orientation. The beams 100 according to the invention are curved to provide a display frame 8 having a curved a 3-dimensional structure. It will be appreciated that the same result is achievable by use of the beam 1 in a first embodiment, or indeed any other beam within the scope of the invention. In this example the beams have been used in conjunction with a commonly available apparatus for forming display stands comprising rigid beams and connectors, although any similar apparatus would be suitable.

FIG. 8 illustrates three further co-operating members 71, 72, 73. The first co-operating member 71 is a plain fascia component, while the second co-operating member 72 is a fascia with a decorative layer, and the third co-operating member 73 is a fascia with an embedded magnetic insert.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein. 

1. A frame member for a display frame, the frame member comprising a longitudinal engaging feature for removably engaging a co-operating member, and a segmented portion interconnected by connecting portions, wherein at least a portion of the frame member may be curved, in use, by deflecting or flexing the connecting portions, thereby varying the separation between at least two adjacent segments of the segmented portion.
 2. Frame member according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portions comprise or are provided by a continuous portion or strip.
 3. Frame member according to claim 2, wherein the segmented portion comprises two or more segments attached to and/or extending from at least one side of the strip.
 4. Frame member according to claim 2, wherein the frame member comprises a beam and the continuous portion comprises a side or face of the beam.
 5. Frame member according to claim 2, wherein the continuous portion comprises the longitudinal engaging feature along at least a portion of its length.
 6. Frame member according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal engaging feature is configured to slideably engage a co-operating member.
 7. Frame member according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal engaging feature comprises a slot or groove.
 8. Frame member according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal engaging feature comprises one or more lips.
 9. Frame member according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal engaging feature comprises a pair of opposed lips that define a slot or groove for engaging a co-operating member.
 10. Frame member according to claim 1, wherein the frame member comprises an extrusion with a substantially constant cross section that is at least partially segmented along its length.
 11. Frame member according to claim 1, wherein the segmented portion comprises the or a further longitudinal engaging feature along at least a portion of its length.
 12. Frame member according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal engaging feature is segmented along at least a portion of its length.
 13. (canceled)
 14. An engaging member for mounting a display panel to the frame member of a display frame, the engaging member comprising a first longitudinal engaging feature for releasably engaging a frame member, a second longitudinal engaging feature for releasably engaging a display panel and a segmented portion interconnected by connecting portions, wherein at least a portion of the engaging member may be curved, in use, by deflecting or flexing the connecting portions, thereby varying the separation between at least two adjacent segments of the segmented portion.
 15. Engaging member according to claim 14, wherein the connecting portions comprise or are provided by a continuous portion, the first longitudinal engaging feature being on a first side of the continuous portion and the second longitudinal engaging feature being on a second side of the continuous portion.
 16. Engaging member according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the connecting portions comprise or are provided by a continuous strip with two or more segments attached to and/or extending from at least one side of the strip.
 17. Engaging member according to claim 16, wherein the two or more segments comprises or provides the second longitudinal engaging feature.
 18. Engaging member according to claim 14, wherein the first longitudinal engaging feature is configured to slideably engage a frame member.
 19. Engaging member according to claim 14, wherein the first longitudinal engaging feature comprises a pair of lips that extend outwardly or away from one another.
 20. Engaging member according to claim 14, wherein the second longitudinal engaging feature comprises one or more slots or grooves provided by one or more projections or flanges or lips. 21-24. (canceled) 